What Is A Holistic Practitioner?

Home
>
Alternative Medicine
>
What Is A Holistic Practitioner?

What Is A Holistic Practitioner?

Holistic Practitioners are holistic healing professionals with a gift in one or more areas of healing. From bodyworkers to homeopaths to hypnotherapists, the term holistic practitioner has become one that is often challenging to describe or understand. Hopefully this article will provide you with some clarity on what a holistic practitioner is and how to find one that meets your individual needs.

Saying holistic practitioner is similar to saying doctor. While there are general practitioners that cross along many paths, most specialize in one or more holistic methods or areas. The main areas of specialization are body-centered therapists, energy-centered therapists, mind-centered therapists, soul and spirit-centered therapists, emotional release therapists, and coaches/counselors. All of these therapists strive to bring a greater quality of life to their clients. That may occur through inner balance, self-empowerment, physical ease, or even emotional confidence.

One thing to realize is that many holistic practitioners work in many areas. In fact, it is usually challenging to limit a practitioner to one area. For example, a hypnotherapist may also be a chakra therapist, a bodyworker could also be a spiritual counselor, etc. Also, since the mind-body-soul connection is just that, connected, wherever you begin, be it in energy work, bodywork, or even the mind, you will find that all of you is affected by the work.

Use this article as a guide to explore the realms of possibilities, rather than limiting your choices to an area.

Body-centered Therapists

Samples of body-centered therapists are bodyworkers, massage therapists, pilates and yoga therapists, rolfing professionals(often termed rolfers), acupressure therapists, myofascial release and sports massage therapists, reflexologists, thai massage therapists, watsu practitioners, feldenkrais and alexander method professionals, and movement therapists (this list is provided to offer an overview as there are at least 50 types of body-centered therapists).

While each body-centered therapist has their own way of working with clients, many use a combination of movement, the breath, and physical pressure (from massage to trigger points) to allow the body to release tension. This release of tension then allows the mind to also find a relaxing state. Sometimes the relaxation state is the goal of the sessions, other times, it is the true starting point.

Energy-centered Therapists

Samples of energy-centered therapists are integrative energy workers, reiki practitioners, healing touch practitioners, breathwork therapists, jin shin do and jin shin jytsu therapists, matrix therapists, applied kinesiologists, orgone therapists, polarity workers, cranial sacral workers, qigong and tai chi masters. Acupuncturists and homeopathy practitioners could also be deemed energy workers.

Energy workers often work with energetic 'maps' of the body. They look at where the energy is stuck, depleted or overtaxed in the body and work with the individual to bring a level of balance to the body's energetic system. This balance also affects the mind and the overall body, enhancing ones state of being on many levels.

Mind-centered Therapists

Samples of mind-centered therapists are hypnotherapists, neuro-linguistic programming practitioners (NLP), integrative release therapists(IRT), regression therapists and metaphysicians.

Mind-centered therapists look at the structures of one's belief systems and how they may be conflicting with and/or not supporting a client's quality of life. Mind-centered therapists often find the original cause of what the stuck states are and work with the unconscious mind to reframe limiting patterns and beliefs which provide greater resources and confidence for the client to live the life they desire.

Soul and Spirit-centered Therapists

Samples of soul and spirit-centered therapists are shamans, angelic masters, psychic mediums, intuitive guides and spiritual counselors(who would also fall into the coaching/counseling category).

Soul and spirit-centered therapists work with clients in a variety of ways. A shaman may work with a client using soul retrieval to regain a part of their soul that has been 'lost' due to trauma. A psychic may offer an individual information on what will happen on their current path if they don't make changes. An intuitive may assist a client in talking with a deceased loved one. As with the other categories, there are many ways soul and spirit-centered therapists work with their clients.

Emotional Release Therapists

Samples of emotional release therapists are integrative release therapists, somato-emotional therapists, psych-k therapists and amanae therapists.

Emotional release therapists work with patterns of emotions that are stuck in the body/mind and assist a client in moving through these blocks into greater joy and emotional freedom. Many other therapies, including neuro-linguistic programming, yoga, shamanic work and energy work employ emotional release methodologies.

Holistic Coaches and Counselors

Samples of coaches and counselors are life coaches, empowerment coaches, spiritual and intuitive counselors, holistic psychologists, and nutritional counselors.

Coaches and counselors assist clients in designing and manifesting the life, career, business and health situations that they truly desire. A holistic coach or counselor often works with a client 1-4x per month setting goals, opening belief systems and partnering with the client to provide the support they need to move forward in their lives.

As you can see, the term holistic practitioner can be used to mean a holistic profession trained in any number of areas. Usually, a holistic practitioner will list their areas of expertise in any of their advertising to assist you in determining if they would be a fit for your unique situation.

For information on locating a holistic practitioner, please see my article on 'Choosing a Holistic Practitioner' or see Holistic Hometown (www.HolisticHometown.com) for holistic resources in your hometown, and beyond.

Blessings on your journey.

Jenifer Shapiro, MBA, CHT, CNLP, CYT, CHC, IRT is a Professional Coach, Holistic Entrepreneur Coach, Web Designer, and Holistic Practitioner (professionally trained in Yoga, Shamanism/Soul Retrieval, Meditation, Hypnotherapy, NLP and Coaching) with 2 successful holistic businesses. She is the founder of Holistic Hometown, Holistic University and The Empowerment Centre, and the consultant for various holistic entrepreneurs, local colleges, and wellness centers. Her work has been televised and she currently teaches and consults with clients around the U.S. Her private practice is in Paoli, PA. She may be reached at http://www.TheEmpowermentCentre.com or (610)213-1010.

In The News:

FOXSports.com
 <div><a class ...
FOXSports.com
FOX race analyst Larry McReynolds has more than 30 years of NASCAR experience as a mechanic, Daytona 500-winning crew chief and broadcaster. He earned 23 Cup wins as a crew chief, including two victories in the prestigious Daytona 500, ...

and more »

CBS News
Colonoscopy Alternative Reduces Cancer Rates, Research Finds
BusinessWeek
By Nicole Ostrow on May 21, 2012 An alternative to colonoscopy that only looks at a portion of the colon rather than the whole intestine reduced cancer rates, a study found. The screening, called flexible sigmoidoscopy, was associated with a 21 percent ...
Colonoscopy Alternative Reduces Cancer Deaths, Study ShowsWall Street Journal (blog)
Simpler colon cancer screening alternative cuts death risk, study findsCBS News
Less invasive alternative to colonoscopy reduces colorectal cancer deathsSTLtoday.com

all 251 news articles »

The Republic
Ditch euro? Many Greeks already are
BusinessWeek
Instead of euros Arabatzis takes TEMs, a Greek abbreviation for Local Alternative Unit. A small but growing minority in about a dozen Greek towns are using an alternative exchange system to help them survive the crisis.
Ditch the euro? As crisis swirls, many Greeks already are _ with alternate ...Washington Post
News Summary: Local currencies take root in GreeceThe Associated Press

all 139 news articles »

'Geuro' an Alternative to Greek Euro Exit: Deutsche Bank
CNBC.com
Greece's best chance of survival may be to stay in the euro but opt for its own parallel currency or “Geuro,” according to Deutsche Bank's head of research, Thomas Mayer. In a research piece, Mayer said the Geuro would help Greece balance its primary ...

and more »

Atlanta Journal Constitution (blog)
Pet owners seek alternatives to traditional boarding
Atlanta Journal Constitution (blog)
Other alternative options can be sought on Craigslist.com and HousesittersAmerica.com. Photos by Jason Getz Melissa Cazorla had two problems when she and her husband moved to the Atlanta area from Virginia Beach: their Labrador-whippet mix and their ...

Why We All Need to Think About Alternative Credit
Huffington Post (blog)
Alternative credit is something we'll all need to think about, though perhaps not first thing in the morning. Before I joined eCredable, I spent the prior seven years at the credit reporting agency Equifax. I got up close and personal with the credit ...

and more »

IBNLive.com
Mamata wants alternative to taxing poor, price hike
IBNLive.com
PTI Kolkata: West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Monday said an alternative must be found to taxing the poor and raising the prices of essential commodities whenever economic problems cropped up. Without elaborating on her 'alternative', ...

and more »

Tasmania Mercury
Opposition outlines its alternative budget plans
ABC Online
By Damien Larkins - Cross media reporter The Tasmanian Opposition says its alternative budget offers hope, but it would cost hundreds of public sector jobs. The Opposition Leader Will Hodgman delivered his financial plans in Parliament today.
Libs outline alternative budgetTasmania Mercury
Homebuilder bonus planTheMercury.com.au
Libs urged to identify safe jobsYahoo!7 News

all 23 news articles »

Manito's Alternative High School program graduates 136
Chambersburg Public Opinion
A filmmaker, Dunbar graduated from Manito s Alternative High School program. CHAMBERSBURG -- Mercedes McClain is 17 and in a hurry. She was enrolled in Franklin County Career and Technology Center, studying cosmetology when she had a change of plans.

Syria: An Alternative Choice
FrontPage Magazine
In the midst of the current revolutionary chaos in Syria, there is a clear voice of reason that seeks to create a free Syria that is democratic, Western-oriented and federal in structure. That voice belongs to Sherkoh Abbas, President of the Kurdistan ...

and more »

Google News